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A Local’s Guide to Charleston, South Carolina

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“Teach near a beach.”

That’s what I would say when anyone asked about my post-college plans. As a Pennsylvanian who had braved 22 long years of blistering winters, icy rain, purple fingers and frostbit toes, I was ready to trade my parka for palm trees and say goodbye to the cold forever. Maybe it was from one too many Nicholas Sparks films set in a southern coastal town, or a viral Pinterest picture with a sherbet sky and sparkling sea, or maybe it was the whisper in my heart that can only be described as fate, but I was resolute that Charleston, South Carolina was the answer to my teach-near-a-beach dream, and it became the escape and fixation that I clung all hope to.

In a post college graduation whirlwind, two of my fellow classmates and I secured teaching jobs outside of Charleston, South Carolina in a matter of weeks, moved into our new 3-bed, 2-bath apartment in a matter of days (only 5 minutes away from the beach! I was beside myself), and were scrambling to set up our classrooms by the end of the summer. I was ecstatic. There I was, a carefree 22-year-old living outside of Pennsylvania for the first time, embracing the sand and sun and the future with a heart overflowing with a hope and curiosity that felt especially ripe fresh out of college. The world was shiny and new in a way I’d never experienced before and I felt invincible. Or at least I did for 5 days. By the end of my first week, I received the classic breakup phone call from my long distance boyfriend, went from hopeful to heartbrokenly blind sighted in a matter of minutes, began my new breakup diet consisting of fried donuts washed down with a fresh wave of my own tears, and very quickly realized I was a far cry from my parents house in Pennsylvania. Oh, and I was also stressed out of my mind from my new job.

A few months later, one of my roommate’s best friend’s, a fellow Penn State graduate who I somehow hadn’t met during my time in college, moved from Pennsylvania to Charleston and into our apartment complex. I soon discovered that she, too, was experiencing her personal journey with heartbreak, having just gotten out of a 5-year relationship. I later learned that my roommate was also dealing with the aftermath of her recent breakup, tangled with the disappointments and frustrations from a confusing boy she had been talking to. There we were, three heartbroken girls, with a literal sea of possibilities before us, trying our very best to navigate our first job, new friendships, a brand new city and state, and soon, a worldwide pandemic.

Eventually, the three of us developed an inseparable bond. Through pasta dinners, wine nights, movie marathons, and kitchen dance parties, we healed one another without even knowing, and helped each other feel whole again. I always say the ocean heals all wounds, and although it’s true, I know with certainty that my beautiful best friends also healed me.

Two years later, I decided to leave the classroom and move back to Pennsylvania to figure out my next job. My friends were my two hardest goodbyes.

Charleston, South Carolina is a magical place that has my heart forever. It fulfilled my dream of teaching near a beach, introduced me to two of the very best people I know, and healed my in a way that only a southern sunset and sweet tea can.

For the hopeful twentysomething preparing to visit one of my most favorite places, here is a detailed list of my favorite spots and local secrets that will always hold a special place in my heart. Pictures coming soon!

Shopping

Restaurants (Mount Pleasant) – A few of my favorites!

Restaurants (Sullivan’s Island) – Some of my favorites!

Restaurants (Downtown Charleston) – There are so many, but here are a few of my favorites!

Beaches

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